Geography and Math
Eratosthenes
General Knowledge
10
What is the two different cities that Eratosthenes used to calculated the Earth’s circumference?
Syene and Alexandria
10
Who is Eratosthenes?
This Greek mathematician and astronomer calculated the Earth’s circumference by measuring the angle of the Sun’s rays in two different cities, Syene and Alexandria.
10
What library Eratosthenes served?
The Library of Alexandria one of the most significant libraries in the ancient world.
20
where is the specific location Eratosthenes calculating the Circumference of the Earth?
Alexandria, Egypt
20
Who is the Father of Geography?
Eratosthenes
20
How accurate was Eratosthenes calculation of the Earth's Circumference?
His Calculation was remarkably accurate, with an error margin of less than 1%.
30
Where is Syene?
Egypt
30
What is the estimated time and birth of Eratosthenes?
He was born around 276 BCE in Cyrene (present-day Libya)
30
What is a summer solstice?
The summer solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. This results in the longest day and shortest night of the year for that hemisphere.
40
What is Stade (or Stadion) approximate to?
(Hint: It is equivalent to 600 literal Greek feet)
The Stade (or Stadion) was an ancient Greek unit of length. It was used to measure distances, particularly in the context of footraces. The length of a Stade varied, but it was generally around 600 Greek feet, which is approximately 185 meters (606.9 feet).
40
What was Eratosthenes called by his contemporaries?
(hint: This is used by people which implies that he is the second best in an area)
"Beta"
This nickname came about because he was considered the second best in many fields of knowledge, with “Beta” being the second letter of the Greek alphabet. Despite this, his contributions to mathematics, geography, and astronomy were incredibly significant!
40
Who named the Earth "Earth"?
the exact person who first used the term “Earth” to refer to our planet is unknown. The name has been in use for at least 1,000 years.
50
(Hint: use math)
So, the Earth’s circumference is approximately 40,000 km and the radius is approximately 6,366 km.
50
What is a major contribution of Eratosthenes in Astronomy?
(Hint: This contribution helped explain why we experience different seasons throughout the year.)
Tilt of the Earth’s Axis: He was the first to calculate the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which is essential for understanding the seasons.
50
What is the shape of the Earth?
(Hint: It is an oblate)
oblate spheroid or oblate ellipsoid